Suella Braverman's Defection to Reform UK Sparks Mixed Reactions in Fareham

Published 27 January 2026

Highlights

• Suella Braverman, MP for Fareham and Waterlooville, has defected from the Conservative Party to Reform UK, citing dissatisfaction with current party policies.
• Local reactions are mixed, with some constituents feeling betrayed and others supporting her move due to her right-leaning views.
• Braverman's defection has prompted calls for a by-election, though such events are not automatically triggered by party switches.
• Former colleagues and local figures express disappointment, while some constituents remain loyal to Braverman as an individual rather than her party affiliation.
• Braverman, a former Home Secretary, emphasized her long-standing conservative values and urged others to reconsider their party loyalty.

Suella Braverman, the MP for Fareham and Waterlooville, has made headlines with her recent defection from the Conservative Party to Reform UK. The move, announced at a Reform UK event in London, has stirred a range of reactions from her constituents and political colleagues.

Local Reactions to a Political Shift

Braverman's decision has not come as a complete surprise to many in her constituency. Known for her right-leaning stance, she has been a vocal supporter of policies such as the controversial Rwanda plan for asylum seekers. Her recent opposition to using Waterlooville flats for asylum accommodation further signaled her alignment with Reform UK's platform.

While some constituents, like Roy Gillingham, owner of Fareham Wine Cellar, express continued support for Braverman, others feel disillusioned. Jamie Jewell, a local pub owner, criticized her lack of engagement, stating, "I don’t want her in my pub. She’s not helped us at all."

Political and Community Reactions

The defection has prompted calls for a by-election, with local Liberal Democrats and Labour representatives urging Braverman to resign and face voters. However, by-elections are not automatically triggered by party changes, as voters elect individuals rather than parties.

Paul Holmes, a neighboring Conservative MP, expressed disappointment, noting the hard work put into electing Conservatives in the area. Meanwhile, former Conservative borough council leader Seán Woodward lamented the loss of Braverman's caliber, attributing her departure partly to her treatment by the party.

Braverman's Justification and Future Prospects

In her speech, Braverman highlighted her 30-year membership with the Conservative Party, emphasizing a perceived shift away from its core values. "Loyalty is a two-way street," she stated, urging others to reconsider their party allegiance if it no longer reflects their principles.

Braverman's move to Reform UK, led by Richard Tice, reflects her alignment with the party's stance on issues like the European Convention on Human Rights. Her defection underscores ongoing tensions within the Conservative Party and raises questions about its future direction.

What this might mean

Braverman's defection could signal a broader trend of dissatisfaction within the Conservative Party, potentially leading to further defections or shifts in party dynamics. The move may embolden Reform UK, increasing its visibility and appeal among right-leaning voters disillusioned with mainstream parties.

Politically, Braverman's switch could impact her re-election prospects, as constituents weigh their loyalty to her as an individual against their party preferences. The situation also highlights the complexities of party allegiance in UK politics, where personal and ideological factors often intersect.

As the political landscape evolves, Braverman's defection serves as a reminder of the fluid nature of party politics and the ongoing challenges faced by traditional parties in maintaining unity and voter support.